Betrayed and Claimed by the Lycan King Chapter 121

Isolde's POV

I stormed out of Ezra's luxury apartment building, my legs still burning with each step. The pain was a constant reminder of last night—of what we'd shared and what he'd rejected. My cheeks flushed hot with anger as I replayed our morning conversation in my mind.

*He felt it too,* Lyra insisted in my mind. *No matter what he says, he knows we're mates.*

"Then why not mark me?" I whispered.

The morning sunlight felt harsh against my skin as I walked without direction, just needing to put distance between myself and Silver Moon Tower. Each step sent sharp reminders of last night's activities shooting through my body, but I refused to slow down. My pride wouldn't allow it.

*He took your virginity and then rejected the mate bond,* Lyra growled. *He treats you like you're just another girl in his collection.*

That thought stung more than I wanted to admit. After everything—the intensity, the connection, the way he'd looked at me—I was still just part of his Moon Alliance program. Just another body to warm his bed when he felt like it.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I barely registered the sleek black SUV that pulled up beside me until it came to an abrupt stop. My body tensed instantly, muscles coiling in preparation for a potential threat. I took a step back, my wolf senses heightening as I assessed the vehicle.

The windows were tinted dark, making it impossible to see inside, but I caught a glimpse of the Silver Moon logo subtly emblazoned on the door. My heart rate accelerated. Had Ezra sent someone to bring me back?

The passenger window slowly rolled down, and I prepared myself for a confrontation. But instead of some security goon, I found myself looking into the warm amber eyes of Orion Hawthorne.

My eyes widened in surprise. "Orion?"

"Hey, Isolde," he greeted with an easy smile, as if finding me wandering the streets was the most natural thing in the world.

I managed a polite smile and awkward wave. "Hello."

His smile widened slightly at my formality. "You missed the training session."

Heat crept up my cheeks as memories of why I'd missed training flashed through my mind—tangled in Ezra's sheets, his hands exploring every inch of my body. I quickly pushed those thoughts away, forcing myself back to the present.

"Girls need a break sometimes," I replied, aiming for casual but hearing the defensive edge in my voice.

"Indeed they do," he agreed, surprising me with his understanding. There was no judgment in his tone, just simple acceptance.

I studied him curiously. Since my first day in the Moon Alliance program, Orion had shown me nothing but kindness. Unlike most of the other high-ranking wolves who treated the program members like disposable playthings, he had always been respectful, almost protective. I still couldn't figure out why.

"Are you headed somewhere?" I asked, genuinely curious about his presence here.

Orion shrugged lightly. "Mmm... I need to pick something up downtown. You free right now? Want to come with me?"

I stared at him in shock, certain I'd misheard. "I'm sorry, what?"

"If you're not busy," he added with another casual shrug. "I could use the company."

My mind raced with confusion. Why would the security director of Silver Moon Group—Gamma wolf and one of Ezra's most trusted men—want my company for a simple errand? Was this some kind of test? Had Ezra sent him to check on me?

*Or maybe he genuinely likes you,* Lyra suggested. *He's been kind since day one.*

I hesitated.

Ezra wouldn't mark me, treating me like just another conquest—it made me want to do something reckless, something that would prove I wasn't just sitting around waiting for his attention.

"If you don't mind," Orion said, misinterpreting my silence as reluctance. He shrugged again, his expression remaining kind.

I was struck once more by how different he was from the other high-ranking wolves I'd encountered. There was no entitlement in his manner, no expectation that I would jump at his invitation simply because of his status. He was genuinely giving me a choice.

*Why am I always surprised when he's nice to me?* I wondered.

"Fuck it," I muttered under my breath.

"What was that?" Orion asked, his eyebrow quirking up slightly.

"I said I'll go," I replied more clearly, feeling a strange sense of liberation. "I'm not doing anything special right now."

Orion's smile widened, genuine pleasure lighting up his features. "Really? That's great."

I couldn't help but notice how his eyes crinkled slightly at the corners when he smiled. .

"There's this great coffee shop downtown," Orion continued, pressing a button to unlock the doors. "We could stop there after I run my errand."

As I reached for the door handle, a small voice of caution whispered in my mind. What would Ezra think if he knew I was going somewhere with Orion? The thought made me pause for just a second before anger rushed back. Why should I care what Ezra thought? He'd made it clear this morning that I was just another girl in his program, not his mate, not someone special.

"That sounds perfect," I said, climbing into the passenger seat with newfound determination.

The leather seat was luxurious against my skin, and the interior smelled of high-end car freshener mingled with Orion's unique scent—a fresh, clean fragrance with notes of sandalwood. It was pleasant and calming, nothing like Ezra's overwhelming, intoxicating scent that seemed designed to drive my wolf crazy.

"Ready, beautiful lady?" Orion asked as he put the car in drive, his tone warm and gentlemanly.

I settled into the seat, fastening my seatbelt as a small thrill of rebellious satisfaction coursed through me. If Ezra could treat me as just another girl in his collection, then I could certainly enjoy an innocent outing with someone who actually seemed to value my company.

"Completely ready," I replied.